Side by side
BatteryBar vs HWMonitor
Both stand on hardware monitoring software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Windows
BatteryBar provides taskbar battery monitoring and estimated remaining time, with Pro adding alerts and configuration options. Check the listed Windows requirements and whether the battery reports rate data before relying on those readings.
Visit BatteryBar
Free plan AndroidWindows
HWMonitor covers a broad set of PC sensors, with a free Windows x86/x64 plan and a separate ARM64 download. Remote monitoring and additional PRO features are available at listed one-time prices.
Visit HWMonitorThe facts
| BatteryBar | HWMonitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Android, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | BatteryBar Pro: $4, paid once | HWMonitor PRO Standard: $19.95, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | osirisdevelopment.com | cpuid.com |
| On hardware monitoring software | #17 of 59 | #26 of 59 |
BatteryBar: what it does well
- Free version is available.
- Displays battery details in the taskbar popup.
- Uses historical data to estimate remaining time.
- Pro adds low and critical battery alerts.
- Pro includes 20 configurable settings.
What to know first
- Listed supported systems are Windows XP, Vista, or 7.
- A system battery is required.
- Windows XP requires .NET Framework 2.0.
- Some batteries do not report charge or discharge rates.
HWMonitor: what it does well
- Reads temperatures, voltages, power, and fan speeds.
- Windows release offers installer and ZIP downloads.
- Separate Windows ARM64 download is listed.
- CSV logging is listed as a feature.
- PRO can monitor remote PCs and Android devices.
What to know first
- Free HWMonitor plan is for Windows x86/x64.
- Android remote connections require local Wi-Fi.
- Android monitoring is limited to 10 devices.
- PRO Standard costs $19.95, paid once.
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